Those of you still waiting to put hands on the Garmin-ASUS nuvifone M20 or G60 will probably still have to keep waiting a bit longer (unless you’re in Asia). But, if you can make do with a GSM-connected personal navigation device (PND) in place of a GPS-optimized smartphone, the Garmin nuvi 1690 might fit the bill. The FCC has just cleared the Garmin nuvi 1690, and its integrated GSM radio, for duty in the US.
The nuvi 1690’s GSM connection could provide the PND with traffic updates, weather information and possibly even web-connect POI searches. We won’t know how the GSM data connection will be used until Garmin goes official with the nuvi 1690, but we do know the nuvi 1690 won’t be making any voice calls. The integrated Bluetooth radio will take care of all your speakerphone needs anyway.
Garmin nuvi 1690 FCC link (PDF)
[Via: GPSTracklog]